Health worker support 

We're boosting efforts to attract, develop and retain Māori kaimahi who are committed to contributing to better health outcomes for all.  

It is important for whānau Māori to see themselves represented in our health system.   

Workplace environments must be safe for tāngata whaikaha. We champion equal employment opportunities and promote policies, practices and processes that are fair and equitable for job applicants and employees.  

Training and development for health workers   

Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora invests in training initiatives for kaimahi to advance their health careers while incorporating te ao Māori and mātauranga into their practices.  

These include:  

  • Ngā Manukura clinical leadership training [add link to , enabling nurses and midwives to develop and move into leadership positions. 
  • Tuakana-teina initiatives delivering coaching and supervisory opportunities, formal and academic support, clinical supervision, and mentorship, via several hauora Māori providers. 
  • Mātauranga Māori training for the workforce, delivered as an online professional development programme through Te Kurahuna Limited.  

Pipelines into health careers and support for tauira  

We fund programmes designed to uplift and support rangatahi to choose health as a career, or for tauira already studying healthcare to eventually join the health workforce.  

Current initiatives include:  

  • Development of a bespoke Health Career Pathway for rangatahi to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and mātauranga. This is being delivered via Pūhoro Charitable Trust.   
  • Strengthening engagement with rangatahi in secondary schools and promoting health as a study option and career, through the Whakapiki Ake project at the University of Auckland. 
  • Tailored programmes that support current and future students to succeed in health sciences study at the University of Otago.  

Scholarships 

Are you a tauira starting out in your hauora mahi? There may be a scholarship or grant for you. Look out for updates on this page as we plan for 2024. 

Te Pitomata Grant

To build and support an inclusive workforce and encourage Māori into health and disability careers. Awarded across these categories. 

  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Medical
  • Allied Health, Scientific & Technical, including:
    • Pharmacy
    • Oral Health Therapy
    • Anaesthetic Tech
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Acupuncture
    • Counselling
    • Psychology
  • Corporate (2023)

Administered by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora.

Te Rau Puawai bursaries

Support for Massey University students studying towards a health qualification and intending to work in mental health.

Administered by Massey University and funded by Te Aka Whai Ora.

Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Innovation Fund 

Support for innovative community-led initiatives to encourage people to quit smoking. 

Administered by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora.